Friday April 03, 2020 - The Montreal Canadiens sign 25 year old forward Laurent Dauphin to a 1 year two way contract valued @ $ 700,000 in the NHL and $ 175,000 in the AHL. Dauphin was acquired on January 7 2020 from Nashville, in exchange for Michael McCarron.

Thursday March 26, 2020 - Montreal signs 20 year old forward Jesse Ylonen to a three year entry level contract worth $881,000 per year.

Wednesday March 25, 2020 - Montreal signs 25 year old defenseman Gustav Olofsson to a one year two-way contract for $750,000.

Thursday March 19, 2020 - The Canadiens sign 28 year old forward, Alex Belzile to a one year, two-way contract valued at $700,000.

Monday February 24, 2020 - Montreal trades forward Nick Cousins to the Vegas Golden Knights for a 4th rounder in the 2021 draft. Montreal trades forward Matthew Peca to Ottawa in exchange for forward Aaron Luchuk and a seventh round pick in this years draft. Montreal trades forward Nate Thompson to Philadelphia for a fifth round pick in 2021.

Sunday February 23, 2020 - Montreal trades llya Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 3rd round pick in 2020. This move does a couple of things: 1) re-unites friends llya and Alex, 2) gives Kovalchuk the opportunity to win the cup and 3) leaves Montreal in the running to sign him as a UFA in the off season.

Thursday February 20, 2020 - Montreal acquires forwards Joseph Blandisi and Jacob Lucchini from Pittsburgh in exchange for forwards Riley Barber and Phil Varone. All were under minor league contracts and for that reason: Blandisi and Lucchini will report to Laval.

Tuesday February 18, 2020 - Montreal trades defensmen Marco Scandella to St. Louis for a 2nd round pick in 2020. Montreal was not interested in signing the UFA in the off season and because they need to build for the future wanted the additinal draft pick.

Tuesday January 07, 2020 - The Michael McCarron experiment is over with the Montreal Canadiens. He was traded to the Predators for minor leaguer, forward Laurent Dauphin.

Friday January 03, 2020 - Montreal acquires the services of llya Kovalchuk for the remainder of the year for a salary of $700,000.

Thursday January 02, 2020 - The Canadiens acquire defenseman Marco Scandella from Buffalo in exchange for a 4th rounder in this years draft.

Saturday July 27, 2019 - The Canadiens sign centre Michael McCarron to a one year, two way contract with an NHL value of $ 700,000.00. At the end of the contract he will be an RFA.

Friday July 19, 2019 - Montreal signs 25 year old Charles Hudon to a one year, $ 800,000.00 contract. At the end of the contract, Hudon will be an RFA.

Thursday July 11, 2019 - The Canadiens sign 26 year old right winger Joel Armia to a two year contract for 2.6 million per year. At the end of the contract Armia will be a UFA. Also on the 11th, Montreal signs 24 year old, left winger Artturi Lehkonen to a two year contract for 2.4 million per season and will be an RFA at the end of the contract.

Friday July 05, 2019 - Montreal signs center Nick Cousins to a one year, one way contract for 1.0 million. At the end of the contract he will be an RFA.

Thursday July 04, 2019 - Montreal signs defenseman Ben Chiarot to a three year contract at an annual salary of 3.5 million.

Wednesday July 03, 2019 - Montreal signs 28 year old centre Phil Varone to a one year, two way contract for $ 700,000.00 He will be an UFA at the end of the contract.

Monday July 01, 2019 - Montreal signs the 25 year old right winger Riley Barber to a one year, two way contract for $ 700,000.00. Barber will be an RFA at the end of the contract.

Monday July 01, 2019 - Montreal signs Keith Kinkaid to back up Carey Price. One year contract for 1.75 million.

Sunday June 30, 2019 - Montreal acquires from Chicago a second round pick in 2020, a seventh round pick in 2020 and a seventh round pick in 2021 in exchange for Andrew Shaw and a seventh round pick in 2021.

Montreal made the following picks in the 2019 entry draft in Vancouver on June 21st and 22nd.

Round

overall

Name

Details

1st

15th

Cole Caulfield

5'7" R. Wing from US U18

2nd

46th

Jayden Struble

6' 0" Defence US

2nd

50th

to LA

for 64th and 126th overall

3rd

64th

Mattias Norlinder

6' 0" Defence Sweden

3rd

77th

Gianni Fairbrother

6' 0" Defence WHL

4th

108th

to Sharks

for 4th rd pick in 2020

5th

126th

Jacob LeGuerrier

6' 1" Defence OHL

5th

131st

Rhett Pitlick

Left Wing

5th

136th

to Florida

for 5th rd pick in 2020

5th

138th

Frederik Nissen Dichow

Goalie

6th

170th

Arsen Khisamutdinov

centre from MHL

7th

201st

Rafael Harvey-Pinard

Left winger from Philly

7th

206th

Kieran Ruscheinski

5' 11" Defence

Monday May 27, 2019 - Defenseman Xavier Ouellot (25) signs a one year, two way contract valued at $ 700,000.00.

Saturday May 25, 2019 - Defenseman Brett Kulak (25) signs a three year contract with the Canadiens valued at 1.85 million per year.

Friday May 24, 2019 - Forward Alex Belzile signs a one year , two way contract with the Canadiens valued at $ 700,000.00. The 27 year old was the leading scorer last year in Laval.

Tuesday May 7, 2019 - Defenseman Otto Leskinen agrees to a two year entry level contract with the Canadiens that will pay him $ 925,000.00 per year.

Friday April 26, 2019 - Forward Jordan Weal agrees to a two year contract with the Canadiens at a cost of $ 1.4 million per year.

Thursday April 25, 2019 - Centre Nate Thompson signs a standard one year contract with the Canadiens value at $ 1 million.

Thursday April 18, 2019 - Defenseman Christian Folin signs a one year contract with the Canadiens for $ 800,000.00.

On Sunday March 31, 2019 - The Canadiens sign centre Ryan Poehling to a three year entry level contract, with a value of $ 4.475 million and an annual cap hit of $ 925,000.00. Goalie Cayden Primeau signs a three year entry level contract, with a value of $ 2.90 million and an annual cap hit of $ 880,833.00.

Sunday February 10, 2019 - Forward Kenny Agostino is placed on waivers; February 11th is picked up on waivers by the New Jersey Devils.

Saturday February 9, 2019 - Defenseman Karl Alzner is put on waivers; clears waivers on February 10th and reports to to Laval.

Thursday December 27, 2018 - Carey Price will stay home and miss the 3 game road trip. He is nursing a lower-body injury. In his absence, Michael McNiven has been called up from Laval and will back up Niemi in Florida, Tampa and Dallas.

Thursday December 27, 2018 - Joel Armia skated with the team in practice today and will join them on the road trip. He is not expected to be in the line up until 2019.

Wednesday December 26, 2018 - The Canadiens announced that defenseman David Schlemko has been placed on injury reserve retroactive to December 20th with an upper-body injury. Karl Alzner has been called up from Laval, to fill the hole on defense.

Monday December 17, 2018 - Victor Mete is called up from Laval after a seven game stint with the Rocket.

Saturday December 01, 2018 - The Canadiens place Nikita Scherbak on waivers and he is picked up by the Los Angeles Kings. A talented hockey player but he had proven to have a poor work habit.

Thursday November 29, 2018 Victor Mete is sent down to Laval. He was certainly given the chance to make the big club over the past 1.5 years. He will need to earn his way back into the Canadiens line up. He will get more ice time in Laval and a chance to improve his skill set.

Tuesday November 27, 2018 - Shea Weber returns to the line up after missing almost a year of action. He will be a welcome addition to a young defensive core.

Monday November 26, 2018 - Karl Alzner is placed on waivers, clears waivers and reports to the Laval Rocket.

Sunday November 18, 2018 Montreal is returning from a three game, western road trip. Twenty games into the season and Montreal has a respectable record of 11-6-3; putting them in the final wildcard spot in the east. Since the start of the season, Nicolas Deslauriers and David Schlemko are back on the team after starting the year on injury reserve. Jacob De La Rose was picked up on waivers by the Detroit Red Wings. On November 10th,Tomas Plekanec was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. Montreal has called up Kenny Agostino from Laval. Shea Weber is still on injury reserve and joining him are: Paul Byron and Joel Armia. This opens opportunitites for the prospects to take the reins and run with it.

20 Game Report card as follows: Offensively, A few have stepped up to the plate: namely newcomers Max Domi and Tomas Tatar. Drouin, Petry, Gallagher, Danault, Kotkaniemi and Lehkonen have also contributed to the uplift on the offensive side. Defensively, they are playing an offensive style which will create turnovers on both ends of the ice. The blue line is weak and they really need Weber back to stabilize the back end. Price needs to be better yet he cannot shoulder the blame with the giveaways in their own end. The positive note is Carey has been Carey of old in the past few starts and will be needed if Montreal has any chance of a post season visit in April. But then again that is a long way away.

see below for the salaries and terms of the team as it stands today:

Montreal Canadiens

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Total - Team - Salary

70.91

64.32

53.84

35.78

27.26

18.36

18.36

18.36

Projected Cap

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

Million to cap

8.59

15.18

25.66

43.72

52.24

61.14

61.14

61.14

Forwards

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Jonathan Drouin

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

UFA

Tomas Tatar

4.8

4.8

4.8

UFA

Andrew Shaw

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

UFA

Brendan Gallagher

3.75

3.75

3.75

UFA

Max Domi

3.15

3.15

RFA

Phillip Danault

3.083

3.083

3.083

UFA

Joel Armia

1.85

RFA

Matthew Peca

1.3

1.3

UFA

Paul Byron

1.167

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

UFA

Nicolas Deslauriers

0.95

0.95

UFA

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

.925

.925

.925

RFA

Nikita Scherbak

0.863

RFA

Artturi Lehkonen

0.839

RFA

Kenny Agostino

0.700

UFA

Charles Hudon

0.65

RFA

Total Forward Salaries

33.43

30.76

25.36

12.80

8.90

0.00

0.00

0.00

Defence

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Shea Weber

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

Jeff Petry

5.5

5.5

5.5

UFA

Karl Alzner

4.625

4.625

4.625

4.625

UFA

David Schlemko

2.10

2.10

UFA

Jordie Benn

1.1

UFA

Noah Juulsen

0.8633

0.8633

RFA

Victor Mete

0.7483

0.7483

RFA

Mike Reilly

0.725

RFA

Xavier Ouellet

0.70

RFA

Total Defense Salaries

24.22

21.69

17.98

12.48

7.86

7.86

7.86

7.86

Goalies

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Carey Price

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

Antti Niemi

.950

UFA

Total Goalie Salaries

11.45

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

Other

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Steve Mason

1.367

1.367

Max Pacioretty

.450

Total Other Salaries

1.82

1.367

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Team Salary

70.91

64.32

53.84

35.78

27.26

18.36

18.36

18.36

Saturday November 10, 2018 - Tomas Plekanec is placed on waivers and retires as a Montreal Canadien.

Tuesday October 16, 2018 - Jacob De La Rose is put on waivers and picked up by the Detroit Red Wings. Jacob was a solid 2 way hockey player but Montreal needs someone that can elevate to make the top 2 forward lines.

Thursday October 04, 2018 - Cale Fleury and the Montreal Canadiens agree to terms on a 3 year entry level contract that will pay him $ 771,000 per season.

Wednesday Oct 3, 2018 -The regular season is about to begin and Montreal has four players on injury reserve. Forwards Jacob De La Rose, and Nicolas Deslauriers: defensmen Shea Weber and David Schlemko.

see below for the salaries and terms of the team as it stands today:

Montreal Canadiens

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Total - Team - Salary

73.36

65.22

53.84

35.78

27.26

18.36

18.36

18.36

Projected Cap

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

79.50

Million to cap

6.14

14.28

25.66

43.72

52.24

61.14

61.14

61.14

Forwards

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Jonathan Drouin

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

UFA

Tomas Tatar

4.8

4.8

4.8

UFA

Andrew Shaw

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

UFA

Brendan Gallagher

3.75

3.75

3.75

UFA

Max Domi

3.15

3.15

RFA

Phillip Danault

3.083

3.083

3.083

UFA

Tomas Plekanec

2.25

UFA

Joel Armia

1.85

RFA

Matthew Peca

1.3

1.3

UFA

Paul Byron

1.167

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

UFA

Nicolas Deslauriers

0.95

0.95

UFA

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

.925

.925

.925

RFA

Jacob De La Rose

0.90

0.90

RFA

Nikita Scherbak

0.863

RFA

Artturi Lehkonen

0.839

RFA

Charles Hudon

0.65

RFA

Total Forward Salaries

35.88

31.66

25.36

12.80

8.90

0.00

0.00

0.00

Defence

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Shea Weber

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

Jeff Petry

5.5

5.5

5.5

UFA

Karl Alzner

4.625

4.625

4.625

4.625

UFA

David Schlemko

2.10

2.10

UFA

Jordie Benn

1.1

UFA

Noah Juulsen

0.8633

0.8633

RFA

Victor Mete

0.7483

0.7483

RFA

Mike Reilly

0.725

RFA

Xavier Ouellet

0.70

RFA

Total Defense Salaries

24.22

21.69

17.98

12.48

7.86

7.86

7.86

7.86

Goalies

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Carey Price

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

Antti Niemi

.950

UFA

Total Goalie Salaries

11.45

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

Other

18/19 Sal.

19/20 Sal.

20/21 Sal.

21/22 Sal.

22/23 Sal.

23/24 Sal.

24/25 Sal.

25/26 Sal.

Steve Mason

1.367

1.367

Max Pacioretty

.450

Total Other Salaries

1.82

1.367

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Team Salary

73.36

65.22

53.84

35.78

27.26

18.36

18.36

18.36

Wednesday October 03, 2018 - The Montreal Canadiens acquire 23 year old defenseman Gustav Olofsson (46th overall in 2013) from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward William Bitten (70th overall in 2016). Olofsson comes with a $ 725,000 price tag and will be an RFA next year.

Monday October 01, 2018 - The Canadiens announce Shea Weber as the new Captain of the Montreal Canadiens. He will be a stabilizing force on the blueline but starts the season on injury reserve and not expected back until Christmas.

Monday October 01, 2018 - Montreal acquires defenseman Brett Kulak from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Matt Taormina and Rinat Valiev. Kulak will report to the Laval Rocket.

Sunday September 30, 2018 - The Canadiens assign Charlie Lindgren to the Laval Rocket. Kenny Agostino and Michael Chaput are placed on waivers. Agostino and Chaput clear waivers and report to the Rocket.

Tuesday September 25, 2018 - Montreal has placed the following 5 players on waivers: Hunter Shinkaruk, Michael McCarron, Byron Froese, Rinat Valiev, and Brett Lernout. All five cleared waivers and reported to Laval.

Tuesday September 25, 2018 - Montreal has released Michal Moravcik and Davis Sklenicka to the Laval Rocket. Forward Nick Suzuki back to the Owen Sound (OHL) and released forward Joel Ward from training camp.

Sunday September 23, 2018 - With one year left on his contract, Paul Byron agrees to a 4 year extension for an annual salary of 3.4 million.

Monday September 10, 2018 - The Canadiens agree to terms on a 1 year, 2 way contract with Michael McCarron. The contract will pay $ 874,000 and this is a make or break year for McCarron.

Monday September 10, 2018 - The day we knew would happen, finally did. Max Pacioretty is traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for Tomas Tatar, junior prospect Nick Suzuki and a 2nd round pick in 2019. Tatar is under contract for the next 3 years with a cap hit of 4.8 million. He will be a UFA at end of contract. Suzuki is on an entry level contract at $ 894,000 per year.

Monday August 20, 2018 - Montreal announces that Hunter Shinkaruk has been acquired from the Calgary Flames in exchange for unsigned RFA Kerby Rychel. Hunter immediately signs a 1 year, 2 way contract for $650,000.

Sunday July 15, 2018 - Phillip Danault agrees to terms on a three year contract that will pay him on average 3.083 million per year.

Friday July 13, 2018 - Joel Armia and the Canadiens agree to a one year contract for 1.85 million. At the end of the contract Armia will still be an RFA.

Monday July 09, 2018 - The Canadiens announce the signing of Assistant coach Luke Richardson. Luke has experience as a player and coach at the NHL level.

Friday July 06, 2018 - The Laval Rocket announced today the appointment of Alexandre Burrows as their new assistant coach. Burrows joins Daniel Jacob and Marco Marciano to complete the Laval Rocket coaching staff along with head coach Joel Bouchard for the upcoming season.

Thursday July 05, 2018 - The Canadiens and Jacob De La Rose agree to terms on a two year contract That will pay him $900,000 per year and he will be an RFA at the end of the term.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Montreal Canadiens announce the signing of forward Matthew Peca to a two year contract that will pay him 1.3 million per season.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Canadiens agree to terms with forward Kenny Agostino to a one year two way contract. The deal will pay Agostino $ 700,000 at the NHL level and $ 275,000 at the AHL level with $ 350,000 in guaranteed salary.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Canadiens agree to terms with forward Michael Chaput to a two year, two way contract. The agreement will see Chaput earn $ 650,000 at the NHL level and $ 275,000 in the AHL in the first year and $ 700,000 (NHL) $ 275,000 (AHL) in the second year. He is guaranteed $ 325,000 in salary each year.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Canadiens agree to terms with defenseman Xavier Ouellet to a one year, two way contract. The deal would pay Ouellet $ 700,000 at the NHL level; $ 275,000 at the AHL level with a guarantee of $ 350,000.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Canadiens announce the agreement in terms with centre Jesperi Kotkaniemi to a three year entry level contract. The agreement will see Kotkaniemi earn $ 832,500 at the NHL level with a signing bonus of $ 92,500 per season, for an average annual value of $ 925,000. He is set to make $ 70,000 per season at the AHL level.

Sunday July 01, 2018 - The Montreal Canadiens announce the signing of free agent centre Tomas Plekanec to a one year contract for 2.25 million. The deal also contains performance bonuses worth an additional 1.25 million.

Saturday June 30, 2018 - The Canadiens announce that they have acquired Goaltender Steve Mason, forward Joel Armia and two draft picks from Winnipeg: in exchange for Defensive prospect Simon Bourque. Winnipeg was looking to dump some salary prior to the free agent frenzy. Proof of that is that Montreal immediately put Steve Mason on waivers. The draft picks coming Montreal's way are 7th rounder in 2019 and 4th rounder in 2020. Of note is the arrival of Finnish forward Joel Armia who is a restricted free agent. Is this a strategic move based on Montreal's 3rd pick overall of Finnish forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The draft took place on June 22nd and 23rd and the Canadiens picked up some young talent that in most cases are a few years away from making the roster of the big club.

Round

overall

Name

Details

1st

3rd

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Finnish Centreman 6'2" 183 lbs.

2nd

35th

Jesse Ylonen

Right winger 6' 0" 168 lbs.

2nd

38th

Alexander Romanov

Defense 5' 11" 185 lbs.from Chicago previous deal

2nd

56th

Jacob Olofsson

Centre 6'3" 190 lbs. pick from Toronto in Plekanec trade

2nd

62nd

traded to Edmonton for 2018 71st and 133rd pick

3rd

66th

Cameron Hillis

Centre 5' 10" 168 lbs.

3rd

71st

Jordan Harris

Defense 5' 11" 179 lbs. in trade with Edmonton

4th

97th

Allan McShane

Centre in trade with LA

4th

102nd

pick traded to San Jose for 2018 123rd overall

4th

122nd

traded to Calgary for 2019 4th round pick

4th

123th

Jack Gorniak

Left winger from San Jose

5th

128th

Cole Fonstad

Centre

5th

133rd

Samuel Houde

centre- pick traded from Edmonton

5th

139th

traded to Chicago for 2019 fifth rounder

7th

190th

Brett Stapley

Forward from the Flyers for future considerations

Saturday June 16, 2018 - The Canadiens and Max Domi have come to terms on a bridge contract that will pay Domi $ 3.15 million per year over the next 2 years. At the end of the 19/20 season Max will still be a RFA.

Friday June 15, 2018 - The Canadiens announce that the Alex Galchenyuk experiment is over in Montreal after 6 years filled with frustration. Galchenyuk has some offensive gifts but his effort was lacking on most nights. He was traded to Arizona in exchange for forward Max Domi. Domi may not have the offensive upside like Galchenyuk but there will be no lack of effort.

Thursday May 31, 2018 - Montreal agrees to terms with 22 year old defenseman Rinat Valiev on a one year, two way contract.

Monday May 28, 2018 - Montreal agrees to terms with defensmen David Sklenicka and Michal Moravcik. Both players signs a two year entry level contract and will report to Laval in the fall. The contracts will pay the players $ 925,000 per year.

Wednesday May 23, 2018 - The Canadiens announce the appointment of Daniel Jacob as the Assistant coach with the Laval Rocket. He has now joined Joel Bouchard behind the bench with the Laval Rocket. Jacob was the assistant under Bouchard for the past 4 seasons with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL.

Tuesday May 22, 2018 - Geoff Molson owner, president and CEO announces the appointment of Paul Wilson as senior vice president, public affairs and communications. He will report directly to Molson.

Tuesday May 22, 2018 - The Canadiens announce that Antti Niemi has agreed to a one year, one way contract for $ 950,000 US

Thursday May 17, 2018 - The Montreal Canadiens appointed Joel Bouchard as head coach of the Laval Rocket. Joel aged 44, is coming with GM and coaching experience in the QMJHL. Larry Carriere will also act as the director of player personnel for the AHL club.

Wednesday May 02, 2018 - The Montreal Canadiens agree to a two-year entry-level contract with centerman Lukas Vejdemo. Vejdemo a Stockholm, Sweden native, was selected in the third round, 87th overall in 2015.

Tuesday May 01, 2018 - Marc Bergevin, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, announces that Rick Dudley senior vice president, hockey operations has left the organization. He has joined the Carolina Hurricanes. His position will not be replaced within the hockey management group.

Friday April 27, 2018 – Marc Bergevin, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, announces the appointment of Dominque Ducharme as assistant coach. (Ducharme 45, has been coaching in the QMJHL for the past 10 years with the last 7 years with the Halifax Mooseheads). Stephane Waite also agrees to a new contract as goaltending coach. The Canadiens also announced that assistant coaches Jean-Jacques Daigneault and Dan Lacroix will not be returning with the organization.

Wednesday April 25, 2018 - Andrew Shaw underwent knee surgery today. The injury happened on March 13th and the recovery time is set at six months.

Tuesday April 24, 2018 - Montreal agrees to terms on a three year entry level contract with Alexandre Alain.

Wednesday April 18, 2018 - 28 year old Paul Byron underwent shoulder surgery today, with the recovery time of six months.

Tuesday April 17, 2018 - Sylvain Lefebvre coach of the Laval Rocket is fired. He coached the Montreal affiliate in Hamilton, St. John's and last year in Laval.

Sunday April 15, 2018 - Chris Terry (Laval Rocket) wins the American Hockey League scoring title with 71 points (32 goals - 39 assists). He is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st.

Monday April 09, 2018 - Montreal agrees to terms with Jake Evans on a two year entry level contract.

Tuesday March 13, 2018 - Andrew Shaw suffers a concussion in the game against the Dallas Stars at the Bell Centre and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Tuesday March 13, 2018 - Shea Weber undergoes surgery to repair tendons in his left foot. If all goes well, he will be at training camp in September.

Monday February 26, 2018 - Montreal acquires defenseman Mike Reilly from Minnesota for a 5th round pick in the 2019 entry draft. Montreal also traded Joe Morrow to Winnipeg in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2018 entry draft.

Thursday February 22, 2018 - The Canadiens confirm that Carey Price suffered a concussion on February 20th and is out indefinitely. Also Shea Weber has been shut down for the remainder of the year and will undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left foot. He has missed 32 games already this year.

Wednesday February 21, 2018 - Montreal trades Jakub Jerabek to the Washington Capitals for a 5th round pick in 2019.

Monday February 19, 2018 - Nicolas Deslauriers and the Canadiens agree to a two year, one way contract extension through the 19/20 season at $ 950,000 per year.

Sunday February 18, 2018 - Andrew Shaw is now practicing with the team after suffering a lower body injury on January 13th and is expected to be in the line up on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Tuesday February 13, 2018 - Charlie Lindgren signs a three year, one way contract at $ 750,000.00 per year. He is now under contract thru the 2020/2021 season.

Saturday February 10, 2018 - Phillip Danault takes part in an optional skate and this is the first time he has been on this ice, since suffering a concussion on January 13th, 2018.

OK let's get real. It is February 8th and we are 18 days from the trade deadline. Montreal has a record of 22-25-6. Based on the assumption that it will take 93 points to make the playoffs: they would need to finish the year 21-7-1 in the last 29 games of the year.

Montreal has had a dismal effort this year. Carey Price has been good but not great. Defensively they have under acheived and offensively they have been disappointing on most nights.

I was shoked last year when Montreal only made a feeble attempt to sign Radulov. He was the heart and soul of the team in 16/17 and heart and desire are what is missing this year.

Price, Weber, and Gallagher show leadership but where are Pacioretty, Galchenyuk, Alzner, and Petry. Drouin can be a great hockey player but he is young and has not handled the pressure well.

The coaching staff (Julien, Muller, Lacroix, and Daigneault) and the General Manager (Bergevin) need to be held accountable as they are the ones that have iced the team in the first place.

I am not saying Montreal should have a fire sale but the team needs to build the team around heart and character and weed out the individuals that are playing well below their pay grade.

Monday January 15, 2018 - The Canadiens pick up Logan Shaw off waivers from the Ducks of Anaheim.

Monday January 15, 2018 - Montreal announced that Phillip Danault is suffering concussion like symptons. Andrew Shaw suffered a lower body injury on Saturday January 13th and will be reevaluated in 7 to 10 days.

Wednesday October 04, 2017 - The 23 man roster has been set for the upcoming season. It is now up to Claude Julien and his assistant coaches to set the lines and get the Canadiens on track. Based on the info below there is still 7.5 million in cap space, to add another piece to the puzzle.

Sunday July 02, 2017 - Montreal announces the eight year contract extension for Carey Price. The extension will pay 84 million dollars over the term. (an average of 10.5 million per year)

Saturday July 01, 2017 - Montreal signs 24 year old defenseman Joe Morrow to a one year, one way contract.

Saturday July 01, 2017 - The Canadiens sign defenseman Matt Taormina to a two year, two way contract.

Saturday July 01, 2017 - Montreal signs centre Peter Holland to a two year contract for 750,000 per year. The first year being a two way contract and the second year a one way deal.

Saturday July 01, 2017 - Montreal signs centre Byron Froese to a two year contract for 650,000 per year. The first year being a two way contract and the second year a one way deal.

Saturday July 01, 2017 - The Canadiens announce the signing of defenseman, Karl Alzner to a five year contract for 4.625 million per year.

Wednesday June 28 2017 - Jacob De La Rose accepts the qualifying offer with the Canadiens and signs a one year, one way contract for $ 725,000.

Monday June 26, 2017 - The Canadiens announced that qualifying offers have been extended to the following players; Alex Galchenyuk, Jacob De La Rose, Max Friberg and Charlie Lindgren. They have until July 15th to accept the offers.

Saturday June 24, 2017 - Montreal has 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies under contract. Need to add 3 forwards, and 2 defense via signings or from the farm system. Have 18.5 million cap space to play with. Awaiting decisions on the FA's listed below.

Remaining Decisions.

Canadiens

17/18

Decision

Forwards

Status

Alexander Radulov

UFA

signs five year contract with Dallas.

Alex Galchenyuk

RFA

agrees to 3 year term, 4.9 million per year.

Defence

Status

Andrei Markov

UFA

Love to have him back but at his age, term, and $ could be an issue.

Montreal had 7 picks in the 7 rounds of the 2017 entry draft. Picks 25,56,58,68,87,149 and 199. Five picks in the 1st three rounds is impressive. Montreal has a big advantage this year with their AHL afiliate residing only a few miles away in Laval.

Thursday June 22, 2017 - Canadiens acquires defenseman David Schlemko from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Montreal's 5th round pick in 2019. Schlemko under contract for the next three years at 2.1 million per year.

Thursday June 22, 2017 - Montreal confirms that Dwight King, Brian Flynn, and Nikita Nesterov will not be extended contracts and will become unrestricted free agents on July 1st.

Saturday June 17, 2017 - Montreal has severed their ties with Nathan Beaulieu. Convinced that he would be picked up by Vegas, in the entry draft, he was traded to Buffalo for their 2017 3rd round pick. Beaulieu showed potential but Montreal is not a patient town to play in and how long need one wait for Nathan's compete level.

Thursday June 15, 2017 - Montreal acquires Jonathan Drouin from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Mikhail Sergachev, first rounder in 2016. They are giving up a future star on "D" in Sergachev. The trade also meant an extra person that Montreal needed to protect therefore exposing another player in the entry draft. Drouin better perform or the next move could be Bergevin out the door.

Thursday June 15, 2017 - Montreal agrees to terms with Charles Hudon on a two year contract worth $ 600,000 per year. The first year being a two way contract, while the second year is a one way contract.

Monday May 08, 2017 - Let's say we need to add 4 forwards, and 2 defensemen with 21.69 million to spend. Having said that we need one big signing up front (that was not with the team last year to change the chemistry). Having said that what can we afford.

Thursday March 09, 2017 - Montreal has agreed to a three year entry level contract with 20 year old defensemen Simon Bourque. Under contract through the 19/20 season.

Friday March 03, 2017 - Montreal signs Chris Terry to a two way, one year extension.

Tuesday February 14, 2017 - Michel Therrein was given his walking papers and replaced by Claude Julien behind the bench. This is the second time that Julien has replaced Therrein in Montreal.

Thursday February 02, 2017 - Mark Barberio was picked up on waivers by the Colorado Avalanche. With the acquisition of Nesterov taking an NHL roster spot; moving Barberio to St. John's left him exposed on the waiver wire. Solid 3rd line defenseman now in Colorado.

Wednesday February 01, 2017 - Daniel Carr assigned to the St. John's Icedogs of the AHL

Friday January 27, 2017 - The Canadiens acquire Nikita Nesterov from the Tampa Bay Lightning, in exchange for Jonathan Racine and a sixth round draft in this years entry draft.

Saturday January 7, 2017 - Montreal agrees to terms with forward Markus Eisenschmid on a 2 year two way contract @ 925,000 per year. Contract term to cover through the 2017/18 season.

Thursday January 05, 2017 - On the injury front Montreal has forwards, Galchenyuk, Desharnais, Shaw, Byron and Gallagher on the shelf. Missing on the defensive side are Markov and Pateryn. Yes that is a lot of voids to fill but it is also an opportunity to see who can transition from the farm to make the big club.

Monday January 02, 2017 - Al Montoya agrees to a two year extension with the Habs. He will make 1.062 million per year and is under contract through the 2018/19 season.

Thursday October 20, 2016 Charlie Lindgren with the return of Price assigned to the St. John's Icecaps.

Thursday October 20, 2016 Carey Price make his season debut between the pipes against Arizona. Missed the first three games with the flu.

Saturday Oct 15, 2016 - Jeff Petry set to make his season debut in Ottawa after a pre-season injury.

Wednesday October 12, 2016 - Charles Lindgren called up to back up Montoya in the absence of Price.

and so it begins............"The 2017 Quest For Lord Stanley"

Montreal spent basically to the cap, so the team they will start the season with is in place.

GM Bergevin made some important decisions in the off season. He hired Assistant coach Kirk Muller. Great move and a little insurance should Therrein not have full support of the dressing room. Montreal said good bye to Lars Eller and Tom Gilbert. Eller was given a chance over the past 4 years and never played to his potential. Tom Gilbert coming off an injury filled season where he was one of Montreal's better defensemen was not signed based on cap space and his age.

Bergevin also signed Andrew Shaw to a 6 year deal. Some say he paid too much for Shaw but with Shaw you get a physical player that can also contribute offensively. Others say that Radulov was too costly. Montreal can afford the 5.75 million for one year for Radulov so there is minimal risk. This will be a huge year for Radulov as he is looking for a huge pay day over multiple years next off season. Radulov on a line with Galchenyuk could be the offensive thrust my beloved Habs need to put them over the top. Did Montreal spend too much for Radulov? HELL NO!

Other changes to the line up include: Condon picked up on waivers by Pittsburgh, Sergachev and Lehkonen still on roster, Lindgren backing up Montoya in the absence of Price and Andrighetto clears waivers and assigned to the St. John's Icecaps.

See the roster below with the salaries and terms for the next 6 years.

Montreal Canadiens

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

19/20 Salary

20/21 Salary

21/22 Salary

Total - Team - Salary

73.18

49.37

28.52

21.01

21.01

11.76

Projected Cap

73.00

74.00

76.00

78.00

80.00

80.00

Million to cap

-0.18

24.63

47.48

56.99

58.99

68.24

Forwards

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

19/20 Salary

20/21 Salary

21/22 Salary

Tomas Plekanec

6.0

6.0

UFA

Alexander Radulov

5.75

UFA

Max Pacioretty

4.5

4.5

4.5

UFA

Andrew Shaw

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

Brendan Gallagher

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

UFA

David Desharnais

3.5

UFA

Alex Galchenyuk

2.80

RFA

Torrey Mitchell

1.20

1.20

UFA

Paul Byron

1.167

1.167

1.167

UFA

Brian Flynn

.950

UFA

Artturi Lehkonen

.925

.925

.925

RFA

Phillip Danault

0.912

0.912

RFA

Daniel Carr

0.725

0.725

RFA

Total Forward Salaries

36.08

23.08

14.24

7.65

7.65

3.90

Defence

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

19/20 Salary

20/21 Salary

21/22 Salary

Shea Weber

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

7.857

Andrei Markov

5.75

UFA

Jeff Petry

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

UFA

Alexei Emelin

4.10

4.10

UFA

Mikhail Sergachev

1.775

.925

.925

RFA

Nathan Beaulieu

1.0

RFA

Greg Pateryn

0.800

0.800

UFA

Redmond

.613

.613

UFA

Total Defense Salaries

27.40

19.80

14.28

13.36

13.36

7.86

Goalies

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

19/20 Salary

20/21 Salary

21/22 Salary

Carey Price

6.50

6.50

UFA

Al Montoya

.950

UFA

Charlie Lindgren

.925

RFA

Total Goalie Salaries

8.38

6.50

Other

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

19/20 Salary

20/21 Salary

21/22 Salary

Alexandre Parenteau

1.333

Total Other

1.33

Total Team Salary

73.18

49.37

28.52

21.01

21.01

11.76

Monday October 10, 2016 - Mike Condon picked up on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penquins.

Monday October 10, 2016 - Mikhail Sergichev and Artturi Lehkonen play their way onto the roster.

Wednesday June 29, 2016 - Marc Bergevin, General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens announces the acquisition of Shea Weber from the Nashville Predators in exchange for P.K Subban. Weber's cap hit is 1.143 million less than Subban's 9 million. Having said that Weber's contract is 4 years longer than PK's. Undoubtedly, the trade of the off season.

Monday June 27, 2016 - Andrew Shaw signs a 6 year, 3.9 million per year deal with the Canadiens.

Friday June 24, 2016 - Montreal acquires restricted free agent Andrew Shaw from Chicago in exchange for the 39th and 45th picks in this years entry draft. Emphasis in getting Shaw signed to a multi-year contract in the next week is of top priority.

Friday June 24, 2016 - Lars Eller is traded to Washington. In return Montreal gets Washington's 2nd round picks in the 2017 and 2018 entry drafts. This also frees up 3.5 million per year over the next two seasons. This money will come in handy to improve the team with free agent signings. Eller was a good player but never lived up to his potential and the time to severe the ties was warranted.

Montreal trades 2, second round picks to Chicago for the rights to restricted free agent Andrew Shaw. The good news is that they were able to sign Shaw to a six year deal.

Round

overall

Name

Details

1st

9th

Mikhail Sergachev

defense 6'3" 203 lbs.

2nd

39th

to Chicago

for Andrew Shaw

2nd

45th

to Chicago

for Andrew Shaw

3rd

69th

William Bitten

centre from the Flint Firebirds

4th

99th

Victor Mete

defense fr. the London Knights

5th

123rd

Casey Staum

American Defenseman

6th

159th

Michael Pezzetta

centre 6'1" from Sudbury

7th

187th

Arvid Hendrikson

Swedish defenseman

Decisions on UFA and RFA's.

Canadiens

16/17

decision

Forwards

Status

Mike Brown

UFA

No Qualifying offer extended.

Daniel Carr

RFA

Offer 06/27/2016: 07/01/2016, agrees to a two year deal, at $ 725,000.00 per year.

Andrighetto

RFA

Sat. June 11, 2016 agrees to a one year $ 650,000.00 contract.

Lucas Lessio

RFA

No Qualifying offer extended.

Andrew Shaw

RFA

Monday June 27, Andrew Shaw agrees to 6 year, 3.9 million per year contract.

Phillip Danault

RFA

Offer 06/27/2016: 07/05/2016, agrees to a two year deal, at $ 912,000.00 per year.

Defence

Status

Tom Gilbert

UFA

No Qualifying offer extended. Signed in Los Angeles.

Victor Bartley

UFA

No Qualifying offer extended. Signed in Minnesota.

Mark Barberio

RFA

Monday June 13, 2016 Agrees to two year contract worth $ 750,000.00 per year.

Darren Dietz

UFA

No Qualifying offer extended. Signed in Washington.

Joel Hanley

RFA

Wednesday June 22, 2016 Agrees to one year, two way contract for $ 600,000.00

Monday June 13, 2016 - Mark Barberio signs a two year contact for $ 750,000.00 per year.

Thursday June 02, 2016 - Montreal welcomes back Kirk Muller in the capacity of Associate Coach.

Sunday May 08, 2016 - Canadians agree to terms on a three year, Two way contract with forward Artturi Lehkonen.

Wednesday March 30, 2016 Montreal signs goaltender Charlie Lindgren to a two year, two way contract.The contract runs through the 16/17 season. To make room Ben Scrivens was put on waivers. Scrivens an unrestricted free agent at years end was not in the future plans.

Monday February 29, 2016. Montreal trades Devante Smith-Pelly to New Jersey for Stefan Matteau. Montreal picks up Mike Brown off waivers. Brown will add some toughness for the remainder of the season in the absense of Smith-Pelly.

Friday February 26, 2016. Montreal trades Weise and Fleischmann to Chicago for forward Phillip Danault and a second round pick in 2018.

Friday February 26, 2016. In order for Montreal to attain 95 points for the season they need to be 16-5-0 in the next 21 games. Is that a realistic target without Carey Price in the line up? I think not so we need to be in selling mode at the trade deadline.

The problem Montreal has is what do they have as assets that they want to part with or another team would value. Fleishman and Scrivens are not in the future plans of Montreal and we should get what we can before the deadline. Gilbert would have been a option but now that he is having season ending surgery he is not an option. Desharnais is injured and not an option. Eller could be an option but who wants to assume his contract. Weise could be of value to another team but does Montreal want to part with a real team player?

What Montreal needs to do is review the coaching staff in the off season. That includes Michel Therrien, Jean-Jacques Daignealt, Clement Jodoin and Dan Lacroix. The coaching staff has been unable to motivate the team for the most part this year. The most important thing is to insure the return of a healthy Carey Price for next season.

Thursday February 25, 2016. Petry and Gilbert undergo season ending surgeries. Paul Byron signs a three year extension for 3.5 million.

Montreal Canadiens

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Total Team Salary

72.07

62.61

45.22

23.92

Projected Cap

71.4

74

77

80

Million to CAP

-0.67

11.39

31.78

56.08

Forwards

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Tomas Plekanec

5.0

6.0

6.0

UFA

Max Pacioretty

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Brendan Gallagher

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

Lars Eller

3.5

3.5

3.5

UFA

David Desharnais

3.5

3.5

UFA

Alex Galchenyuk

2.80

2.80

RFA

Torrey Mitchell

1.20

1.20

1.20

UFA

Dale Weise

1.025

UFA

Brian Flynn

.950

.950

UFA

Paul Byron

0.900

1.167

1.167

1.167

Devante Smith-Pelly

.80

RFA

Tomas Fleischmann

0.750

UFA

Jacob De La Rose

.656

.925

RFA

Daniel Carr

.632

RFA

Sven Andrighetto

.50

RFA

Lucas Lessio

.337

RFA

Total Forward Salaries

30.80

28.29

20.12

9.42

Defensemen

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

P.K. Subban

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

Andrei Markov

5.75

5.75

UFA

Jeff Petry

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Alexei Emelin

4.10

4.10

4.10

UFA

Tom Gilbert

2.80

UFA

Nathan Beaulieu

1.0

1.0

RFA

Greg Pateryn

0.562

0.562

0.562

UFA

Mark Barberio

0.339

RFA

Total Defense Salaries

29.05

25.91

18.60

14.50

Goalies

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Carey Price

6.50

6.50

6.50

UFA

Mike Condon

.575

.575

UFA

Ben Scrivens

.977

UFA

Total Goalie Salaries

8.05

7.08

6.50

0

Other

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Jarred Tinordi

2.085

Pierre Alexandre Parenteau

1.333

1.333

Alexander Semin

0.369

Michael Bournival

0.134

RFA

Dustin Tokarski

0.133

RFA

Zack Kassian

0.061

Christian Thomas

0.052

Total Other

4.16

1.33

Total Team Salary

72.07

2.61

45.22

23.92

January 01, 2016 - Brendan Gallagher makes his return to the line up today. Brendan missed 18 games with two broken fingers and is a welcome return to a struggling offense.

December 28, 2015 - Montreal trades Zack Kassian to the Edmonton Oilers for goaltender Ben Scrivens. Dustin Tokarski has been assigned to St. John's.

December 16, 2015 - Zack Kassian clears waivers and assigned to St. John's. There is doubt he will ever play in Montreal and maybe traded off for next to nothing.

On December 15, 2015 acquire Lucas Lessio from Arizona for Christian Thomas. He will report to St. John's.

On December 10, 2015 the contract of Alexander Semin is terminated after he cleared waivers, bringing to an end the Semin era in Montreal.

On Friday October 16, 2015 Montreal extends the contract of Tomas Plekanec, two years at 6 million per year.

Montreal Canadiens

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Total Team Salary

68.346

60.520

44.05

22.75

Projected Cap

71.4

74

77

80

Million to CAP

3.054

13.480

32.95

57.25

Forwards

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Tomas Plekanec

5.0

6.0

6.0

UFA

Max Pacioretty

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Brendan Gallagher

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

Lars Eller

3.5

3.5

3.5

UFA

David Desharnais

3.5

3.5

UFA

Alex Galchenyuk

2.80

2.80

RFA

Torrey Mitchell

1.20

1.20

1.20

UFA

Alexander Semin

1.10

UFA

Dale Weise

1.025

UFA

Brian Flynn

.950

.950

UFA

Paul Byron

0.900

UFA

Devante Smith-Pelly

.80

RFA

Tomas Fleischmann

0.750

UFA

Michael Bournival

.60

RFA

Total Forward Salaries

30.375

26.20

18.95

8.25

Defensemen

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

P.K. Subban

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

Andrei Markov

5.75

5.75

UFA

Jeff Petry

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Alexei Emelin

4.10

4.10

4.10

UFA

Tom Gilbert

2.80

UFA

Nathan Beaulieu

1.0

1.0

RFA

Jarred Tinordi

.851

RFA

Greg Pateryn

0.562

0.562

0.562

UFA

Total Defense Salaries

29.563

25.912

19.162

14.5

Goalies

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Carey Price

6.50

6.50

6.50

UFA

Mike Condon

.575

.575

UFA

Total Goalie Salaries

7.075

7.075

6.50

0

Other

15/16 Salary

16/17 Salary

17/18 Salary

18/19 Salary

Pierre Alexandre Parenteau

1.333

1.333

Total Other

1.333

1.333

Total Team Salary

68.346

60.520

44.05

22.75

Tuesday October 06, 2015 - Montreal claims Paul Byron off waivers, send De La Rose to St. John's, Tokarski and Barberio cleared waivers and report to the St. John's Ice Caps. Mike Condon impressed in goal during the pre season and promoted to back up Price to start the year.

Monday October 5, 2015 - The National Hockey League Players' Association and National Hockey League announced today that forward Zack Kassian of the Montreal Canadiens has been placed in Stage Two of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program (SABH) of the NHL and NHLPA.
Under the terms of the joint program, Kassian will be suspended without pay until cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

Monday October 05, 2015 - Hudon and Andrighetto are assigned to St. John's. Barberio and Tokarski are put on waivers.

Sunday October 04, 2015 - Kassian breaks his foot in a car accident and Fleischmann signs a one year deal for $ 750,000.00.

Friday September 18, 2015 - Pacioretty named Captain of the Montreal Canadians.

July 30, 2015 - The to do list is pretty much done after the signing of Galchenyuk to a two year deal worth 2.80 million per year. It leaves Montreal with 2.854 million to the cap and all signings in place. Montreal now has depth in all positions and tweaked the line up from last year to help improve the powerplay and their offensive output.

July 27, 2015 - Montreal has 5.654 million to spend; with only Galchenyuk left to sign. On July 24th Daniel Audette signed a three year entry level contract for $ 925,000 per year. Montreal signed Alexander Semin to a one year contract for $ 1.1 million on the same day. On July 15th, Jarred Tinordi signs a one year, two way contract for $ 851,000. Montreal signed Michael Bournival on July 14th to a one year, two way contract for $ 600,000. On July 13th, Montreal signed Ryan Johnson to a two year, two way contract.

July 08, 2015 - Montreal has 7.354 million left in cap space. Notables still unsigned are Alex Galchenyuk, Jarred Tinordi and Michael Bournival.

July 02, 2015 - Montreal signs Christian Thomas to a one year two way contract.

July 01, 2015 - Montreal signs George Holloway, Mark Barberio, and Joel Hanley to one year two way contracts.

July 01, 2015 - Brandon Prust traded to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Zack Kassian. Montreal saves 750 thousand towards the cap and will deal with a RFA next year. Good trade but Montreal looses a team leader in Prust.

July 01, 2015 - Greg Pateryn signs a contract extension for two years, for 1.6 million for the term taking him through the 17/18 season.

June 30, 2015 - Brian Flynn signs a two year contract for 950 thousand per year.

June 30, 2015 9:00 am EST. - Montreal has 8.154 million to the cap and have made qualifying offers to the following free agents: Michael Bournival, Alex Galchenyuk, Jarred Tinordi, Brian Flynn, Christian Thomas, and Magnus Nygren.

June 29, 2015 - Montreal buys out the contract of Pierre Alexandre Parenteau. This reduces the CAP by four million, less the cap hit of 1.334 million per, for the next two years.

June 23, 2015 - The League announced that the high end of the Salary Cap moves to 71.4 million for the upcoming season.

June 15, 2015 - Torrey Mitchell signs a three year contract for 1.20 million per year.

June 13, 2015 - Nathan Beaulieu signs a two year contract for one million per. Beaulieu will offer great value for the buck and solidifys a strong six on D.

June 02, 2015 - Montreal agreed to terms with Jeff Petry on a six year deal worth 33 million dollars. The signing really solidifys the blueline for years to come.

The signing of Petry leaves 7.288 million to spend unless they find a way to dump some salary.

Must signs in my opinion are: Galchenyuk and Beaulieu to multi year deals. Bournival and Tinordi are assets that must be secured, as they will definitely be in the future plans of the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal has Pateryn on a two way contract that can be utilized on the backend. When Montreal signs Galchenyuk we will see how much money is left to complete the team. Montreal needs to make a few changes up front to give the team better offensive balance.

May 26, 2015 - Montreal has a lot of decisions to make before the start of the 15/16 season. Based on the spreadsheet below they have 12.213 million to spend; have ten forwards under contract, five defensemen and still have Carey Price under contract for another three years.

Before we start signing free agents, we need to address keys to improve the hockey club. In the regular season Montreal was second in overall points, tied for first in goals against, but only 18th in goals for. This equates to sixth in goal differential. Montreal was fifth in the league five on five, 23rd in the league on the powerplay with a percentage of only 16.5 %. They were 7th on the penalty kill at a percentage of 83.7 %.

Montreal needs to sign Galchenyuk to a bridge contract 3.5 million per year on a two or three year deal. Sign Bournival and Flynn for a total of 3 million per year for two years. Nathan Beaulieu for 2.5 million dollars per year on a three year deal and get Tinordi signed for 2.0 million on a bridge contract. That comes to 11 million of the 12 or so million Montreal has to spend to the cap. That leaves Mitchell and Petry on the outside looking in. Would love to sign Petry but we do not have the cap space to make it happen. If we could dump some salary, like a Parenteau or a Desharnais the money would be better spent on the forward side.

The most important changes Montreal needs to make is to improve the powerplay. They are much too predictable and need to move the puck around. Subban is a great player but the powerplay cannot be one dimensional. Therrien needs to pick his lines and stick with them and stop making so many changes to the roster. Let the players work it out in practice. Montreal has the depth to have all lines contributing offensively. Being able to roll the lines gives the team flexibility and future success.